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keeping plants planted

what can I use to keep my plants in the gravel? they always like to come up,
alot of the plants available in my area dont have the big root balls like
the swords do, those stay down in my tank with no problem.

Is it ok to use those metal weights that they come with? I worry they will
rust or get metal in the tank somehow.

On Fri, 19 Mar 2004 13:33:14 -0500, "Petebert"
wrote:
what can I use to keep my plants in the gravel? they always like to come up,
alot of the plants available in my area dont have the big root balls like
the swords do, those stay down in my tank with no problem.

Is it ok to use those metal weights that they come with? I worry they will
rust or get metal in the tank somehow.

use 1/8" stainless steel u-shaped pins to hold them in place. You will
have to make them yourself out of s.s. tig rod or wire. Folded length
of about 4" or less should work well.

On Fri, 19 Mar 2004 13:33:14 -0500, "Petebert"
wrote:
what can I use to keep my plants in the gravel? they always like to come up,
alot of the plants available in my area dont have the big root balls like
the swords do, those stay down in my tank with no problem.

Is it ok to use those metal weights that they come with? I worry they will
rust or get metal in the tank somehow.

Lead doesn't rust. Iron rusts, some people add iron for their plants.
Maybe someone more into the chemistry angle good add to or correct
what I am saying.

As to the lead, I have used the lead strips many times. I pull them
off once the roots are well established to keep the stems from getting
cut as they expand.

I use weights on all my bunch plants--just be careful not to damage the
stems. They should not hurt your water--if you are worried, just use a
dechlorinator that eliminates heavy metals.

I hope this helps.

Charley (AKA Lowcoaster)

"Petebert" wrote in message
...
what can I use to keep my plants in the gravel? they always like to come
up,
alot of the plants available in my area dont have the big root balls like
the swords do, those stay down in my tank with no problem.

Is it ok to use those metal weights that they come with? I worry they will
rust or get metal in the tank somehow.

I use weights on all my bunch plants--just be careful not to damage the
stems. They should not hurt your water--if you are worried, just use a
dechlorinator that eliminates heavy metals.

I hope this helps.

Charley (AKA Lowcoaster)

"Petebert" wrote in message
...
what can I use to keep my plants in the gravel? they always like to come
up,
alot of the plants available in my area dont have the big root balls like
the swords do, those stay down in my tank with no problem.

Is it ok to use those metal weights that they come with? I worry they will
rust or get metal in the tank somehow.